The Way He Wants You To Live
– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/16/2025
And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! Friends, keep up your prayers for us. Greet all the followers of Jesus there with a holy embrace. And make sure this letter gets read to all the brothers and sisters. Don’t leave anyone out. The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you!
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 (MSG)
– Reflection:
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians are just as relevant today as they were then. In a world full of stress, division, and uncertainty, this passage calls us to a different way of living one marked by gratitude, unity, and hope. We are reminded to honor those who lead us spiritually, not just with words but with genuine appreciation and love. We are encouraged to live in harmony, support those who are struggling, and uplift the weary. This isn’t just about being “nice”; it’s about intentionally showing Christ’s love through practical actions.
How to Live This Out Today
1. Honor and Appreciate – Send a message or call someone who has guided you spiritually. Let them know they matter.
2. Encourage Someone – Look for someone who seems tired or discouraged and offer a word of hope or practical help.
3. Practice Gratitude – Write down three things you’re thankful for today, even if life feels hard.
4. Stay Prayerful – Whisper short prayers throughout the day: “Thank You, Lord,” “Guide me,” “Help me love well.”
5. Discern Wisely – Before accepting advice or opinions, measure them against God’s Word. Hold on to what is good.
– Where do we go from here?
From this passage, we learn that moving forward means living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and order. First, honor and appreciate those who lead and guide us in faith—they work hard for our spiritual growth. Second, commit to unity: do your part, encourage those who struggle, help the weary, and be patient with everyone. Avoid snapping at each other; instead, look for the best in people and bring it out. Stay joyful no matter what, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. This is God’s will for us. Keep your heart open to the Spirit and to God’s truth, but test everything and hold on to what is good. Reject anything evil. Trust that God Himself will make you holy and whole as you stay faithful. In short, live with gratitude, encouragement, discernment, and hope, knowing that the One who called you is faithful and will finish His work in you.
One-Liner Challenge –
Encourage Someone – Send a DM or text to a friend who might be struggling. Lift them up!
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, help us live with joy, gratitude, and discernment today. Teach us to encourage others, honor those who lead, and stay open to Your Spirit. Make us holy and whole as we trust Your faithfulness. Amen.
– Subscribe
Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.
⁃ Let’s grow together
—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/
Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire—and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

